The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A SUNBATHER'S NIGHMARE

THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A YOUNG WOMAN WHO WAS TAKING
A SUNBATH, WHEN AN ANT CRAWLED UP HER NOSE. WHILE SHE
WAS DOZING, THE ANT LAID EGGS IN THE GIRL'S SINUS
CAVITY. THE GIRL BECAME VERY AGITATED THE NEXT FEW
DAYS BUT DIDN'T KNOW WHY. FINALLY, THE ITCHING DROVE
HER OUT OF HER MIND AND WITH HER FINGERNAILS SHE
RIPPED THE SKIN OFF HER NOSE AND FOREHEAD.
HUNDREDS OF ANTS FELL OUT AND SHE WENT INSANE.

Submitter comment: ONE SUMMER THERE WAS A STORY GOING AROUND IN MY
COMMUNITY ABOUT THE TERRIBLE THING WHICH HAD
HAPPENED TO A SUN BATHER THE PREVIOUS SUMMER. ST.
CLAIR SHORES IS SITUATED ON THE BANKS OF LAKE ST.
CLAIR, AND MANY OF THE RESIDENTS SWIM AT SEVERAL
OF THE BEACHES IT OFFERS. HOWEVER, IT WAS NEVER
MADE CLEAR WHETHER THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED IN ST.
CLAIR SHORES OR ELSEWHERE.
ORIGINAL SOURCE FORGOTTEN

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES

Date learned: 00-00-1961